Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Episode 1

Episode 1 of 3

Documentary. From lowly Corsican Army officer to first consul of France, this episode charts the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte to leader of the French nation in the late 1790s.

The first of three documentaries telling the story of Napoleon. With access to a unique archive of Napoleon's personal letters, many of which have never been published before, historian Andrew Roberts journeys through the history and geography of Europe to bring this story vividly to life as he retraces the footsteps of the legendary leader himself. The films shed new light on Napoleon as an extraordinarily gifted military commander, a mesmeric leader whose private life was, contrary to popular belief, littered with disappointments and betrayals.

From lowly Corsican Army officer to first consul of France, this episode charts the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte to leader of the French nation in the late 1790s. It tells of Napoleon's military triumphs in Italy, Egypt and against anti-revolutionaries on the streets of Paris, his marriage to Josephine Beauharnais and leadership of the military coup of 1799 that swept him into power.

It shares in his ambition as an army officer and his highly progressive modernisation of the country during the early years of his dictatorship, but then also an acute sensitivity in the man, a personality trait that in later years would prove to be an Achilles heel to his power.

The film is presented by British historian Andrew Roberts, and shot on location in St Helena, France and Italy.

1 hour

Last on

Thu 28 Jun 2018 21:00

More episodes

Previous

You are at the first episode

Next

See all episodes from Napoleon

Clip

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Andrew Roberts
Napoleon Tom Burke
Freron Rob Brydon
Carteaux Kenneth Cranham
Letizia Alice Krige
Paoletta Laura Greenwood
Junot Alex Lowe
Barras Richard McCabe
Catherine Gina Bellman
Doppet Roger Ashton-Griffiths
Denon Darren Queralt
Dugommier Anthony Higgins
Executive Producer David Notman-Watt
Director David Barrie

Broadcasts

The Battle of Waterloo: A visual timeline

Our 麻豆官网首页入口 iWonder guide explores the day that decided Europe's fate.

In Our Time: Napoleon and Wellington

In Our Time: Napoleon and Wellington

Melvyn Bragg discusses the comparative histories of Napoleon and the Duke of Wellington.